HARDWICK – A 39-year-old resident was in critical condition Monday night after he shot himself in the abdomen with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot, police said.

Corporal Kevin M. Landine said police believe the shooting was accidental and that Robert Kryzak of 38A Sullivan Ave. was cleaning the weapon when it discharged.

He said the incident is under investigation. State police attached the Quabbin barracks, as well as state police detectives, also responded to the incident, reported at about 3:15 p.m.

Landine said Kryzak was transported by ambulance to a landing zone in Gilbertville where a medical helicopter picked him up and took him to the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

He said the victim’s mother called in the shooting; he said the victim was unconscious on the floor.

Landine said police were told that Kryzak cleans the shotgun before he goes hunting, but there is no hunting season now.